CELEBRATIONS were in order as a school marked half a century of educating youngsters.

Hundreds of former and current pupils flocked to Charlton Primary School, in Charlton Village Road, near Wantage, to mark the school’s 50th birthday on Saturday.

Headteacher Jenny de la Coze said: “There was a real amazing mix of people. There was a real cross- section of people from all times across the years. We even had somebody who was a pupil when it opened and their children came here as well.”

Visitors gathered on the school playing field to enjoy a family picnic, live music, cakes and pictures of past classes.

Mrs de la Coze, headteacher for 11 years, said: “It was really relaxing and we were simply there to enjoy the music and the community feel of the school.

“I liked that community feel. Everybody being together and celebrating the success of the school.

“The school has a real community essence to it and that was very obvious on the day.”

The school opened in September 1964 and an engraved stone marking its opening sits on the side of the school building.

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